Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety S04-97130-15-02 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety S04-97130-15-02 and its progeny, and methods of making S04-97130-15-02.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated CL722114 with high yield potential and tolerance to Roundup™ herbicide, further including the plants and seeds of the cultivar CL722114, methods for producing a soybean plant by crossing the cultivar CL722114 with itself or another soybean plant. The invention also relates to soybean cultivar CL722114 further comprising one or more single gene traits, and to methods of producing a soybean having such traits by introgression, transformation or mutagenesis. The invention also includes using the soybean cultivar CL722114 to produce other soybean cultivars, breeding lines, and progeny.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 5621161 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 5621161, to the plants of soybean 5621161, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 5621161 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 5621161 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 5621161, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 5621161 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 5621161 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 5834401 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 5834401, to the plants of soybean 5834401, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 5834401 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 5834401 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 5834401, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 5834401 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 5834401 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 5520279 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 5520279, to the plants of soybean 5520279, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 5520279 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 5520279 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 5520279, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 5520279 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 5520279 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH8CW, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH8CW, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH8CW with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH8CW with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH8CW, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH8CW and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 35F38 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 35F38 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 35F38 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 35F38, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 35F38. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 35F38 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 37Y12 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 37Y12 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 37Y12 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 37Y12, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 37Y12. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 37Y12 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for determining an optimal piano hammer felt voicing technique for voicing an unvoiced tone in a piano so as to achieve a predetermined standard of tonal quality associated with a given voiced tone using a computer program. The method comprises a) creating a library comprising at least two records wherein each record comprises a transfer function and a voicing technique wherein said transfer function mathematically expresses the effect upon tonal quality of said voicing technique; b) determining the harmonic profile for each of said unvoiced and voiced tones; c) identifying the record in said library that contains the transfer function that is most similar to the voiced transfer function that would be calculated from the harmonic profiles of said unvoiced and voiced tones; and d) disclosing the voicing technique that is contained in said identified record.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and/or methods that generate playlist(s) for a library or collection of media items via selecting a plurality of seed items, at least one of which is an undesirable seed item. Some of the seed items are desirable indicating that a user prefers additional media items similar to the desirable seed items and others are undesirable indicating that the user prefers additional media items dissimilar to the undesirable seed items. Additionally, the seed items can be weighted to establish a relative importance of the seed items. The invention compares media items in the collection with the seed items and determines which media items are added into the playlist by computation of similarity metrics or values. The playlist can be regenerated by adding desirable seed items to the playlist and removing media items from the playlist (e.g., undesirable seed items).

Abstract: An electronic organ 1 and a personal computer 2 are connected with a MIDI cable. The personal computer 2 is connected to a server 4 via a communication network 3. The personal computer 2 downloads a controlling program from the server 4. The electronic organ 1 is set to be a listening trial mode by an operation of the personal computer 2. In the listening trial mode, an output of a data in a temporally storage area is prohibited. The server 4 provides a first encoded performance data to the personal computer 2, and the personal computer 2 decodes the received first encoded performance data. The electronic organ 1 generates a key, and the personal computer 2 secondary encodes the performance data with the key and transmits it to the electronic organ 1. The electronic organ 1 deletes the data stored in the temporally storage area after the listening trial.

Abstract: Within a mobile communication device (100), a method (300) of specifying two or more musical notes for substantially concurrent playback can include receiving (302) an input specifying a root note (FIG. 2 ) indicating a position on a neck of a stringed instrument and associating (308) at least one column of input keys such as numeric keys (115) of the mobile communication device with a string of the stringed instrument (130). Numeric keys next to one another and within a same column can specify notes which vary by approximately a half-step (130). The method also can include detecting (312) at least one activation of the numeric keys specifying at least one additional note to be played substantially concurrently or in a defined sequence with the root note (FIG. 5 ), thereby specifying a musical chord.

Abstract: An electronic drum includes a pad to be beaten with sticks, a circular piezoelectric converter for converting stress to an electric signal and a semi-circular filter element adhered at one surface to the pad and at the other surface to the circular piezoelectric converter; the circular piezoelectric converter is partially held in contact with the semi-circular filter element and partially overhung under the pad; when the vibrations reach the filter element, the filter element eliminates high frequency vibration components from the vibrations, and transmits them to the half of the circular piezoelectric converter; the vibrations give rise to bending stress in the half of the piezoelectric converter held in contact with the filter element, and shake the other half of the piezoelectric converter; this results in enlargement of the bending stress, and the electric signal with a wide amplitude is taken out from the piezoelectric converter.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Each solar cell in the plurality of cells comprises a conductive core configured as a first electrode, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the conductive core, and a TCO layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. The plurality of solar cells is arranged in a parallel manner in pairs on a transparent insulating substrate such that (i) the solar cells in each respective pair are joined together lengthwise by a corresponding counter-electrode, and (ii) solar cells adjacent pairs of solar cells do not touch each other. Each solar cell pair is affixed to the transparent insulating substrate. A first and second solar cell pair is electrically connected in series by an electrical contact that electrically connects the first electrode of each cell in the first pair to the corresponding counter-electrode of the second pair.

Abstract: A cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. A low NOx radiant tube burner enables operation at low NOx. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. A gap is provided between a recuperator and an inner flame tube of a dual tube SiC folded back recuperator assembly. Preheating combustion air in the recuperator allows for flameless oxidation. The gap allows for exhaust gas recirculation to complete combustion. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye sensitized solar cell comprising an n-type semiconductor electrode containing a dye, an opposed electrode, and a gel electrolyte arranged between the n-type semiconductor and the opposed electrode and containing a gelling agent and an electrolyte that contains iodine, wherein the gelling agent contains a compound including an N-containing group and at least one atomic group selected from a group consisting of a sulfonic group and a carboxylic group.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to deter and protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically, a perching deterrent having a saddle made to fit over any desired member of a structure and deterrent extensions may be used separately or in combination. The deterrent extensions may protrude in various configurations from the above-mentioned saddle to inhibit, deter, or insulate animals contacting structures. Also possible is an insulator cap with spiral conductor covers.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting electrical outlet faceplates designed for mounting on rectangular junction boxes in hollow walls onto solid walls with cylindrical cavities and sleeves. Junction box mounting is popular in North America, whereas cavity mounting is popular in Europe and the Middle East. Such an adapter provides universal mounting for specialized faceplates which are designed and intended for junction box mounting. The adapter features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve and a rectangular plate for mounting an faceplate designed for junction box mounting. The rectangular plate has mounting points with a nominal center-to-center distance of 3à inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrically insulative resin composition that exhibits superior electrical properties and processability and an electric wire or cable having a covering made of the resin. The electrically insulative resin composition comprises 60 to 90 percent by weight of ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (A) polymerized with a single-site catalyst and 40 to 10 percent by weight of another polyolefin resin (B), which is other than (A), wherein the composition contains a polyolefin having a graft-polymerized substituent with a dipole moment of not less than 4 Debye.

Abstract: An improved electrical butt connection is effected by a connector having anaerobic sealant which upon insertion of electric leads not only seals the connection against oxidation but also provides bonding which physically strengthens the connection. The connector is manufactured with an anaerobic sealant on the inside diameter of the end portions of the plastic cylindrical sheath extending axially beyond the axially opposite ends of the ferrule. Upon insertion of the electrical leads, the anaerobic sealant bonds and seals the outer cylindrical surface of the plastic sleeves of the lead wires to the cylindrical interior surface of the end portions of the cylindrical plastic sheath of the connector. The electrician need not carry a supply of the sealant. It is already in the connector.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a terminal at a circuit board, which allows the terminal to be easily mounted by using an automatic mounter is provided. This structure also assures a sufficient level of strength at the terminal mounting area, reduces the electrical resistance and improves the usable area ratio at the circuit board. Recessed electrodes are formed at an end of a circuit board and hollow through electrodes are disposed near the recessed electrodes at the circuit board. Each terminal includes a first vertical portion, a horizontal portion and a second vertical portion. The first vertical portion is fitted at the recessed electrodes and the second vertical portion is inserted at the through electrodes.

Abstract: A cable having at least one electrical conductor and at least one extruded covering layer based on a thermoplastic polymer material in admixture with a dielectric liquid. The thermoplastic polymer material is selected from: (a) at least one propylene homopolymer or at least one copolymer of propylene with at least one olefin comonomer; (b) a mechanical mixture of at least one propylene homopolymer or copolymer (a) and (c) at least one elastomeric copolymer or ethylene with at least one aliphatic ?-olefin, and optionally a polyene.

Abstract: Generally, aspects of embodiments of the invention include cable separator spline which comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending walls joined along a central axis of the spline, and a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Each longitudinally extending channel is defined by a pair of the longitudinally extending walls, where the pair of longitudinally extending walls includes a first wall substantially thicker than a second wall. Other embodiments include a cable separator spline assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending walls joined along a central axis of the spline, and a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Each longitudinally extending channel is defined by a pair of the longitudinally extending walls, wherein a pair of opposing longitudinally extending walls have defined through them a common gap defining two separate sub-splines having T-shaped cross-sections.

Abstract: A high performance communications cable that includes one or more interior support-seperators with clearance channels that include rifled slots along the length of the channels such that the interior support-separator include anvil shaped sections that are trimmed to reduce extensions of the anvil shaped sections, resulting in enlarged channel openings, wherein the corresponding radial and axial axis is skewed and elongated offsetting any conductor pair from another conductor pair within the clearance channels of the communications cable.

Abstract: A flat cable includes a signal line extending in a longitudinal direction, a thin dielectric sheet with which the signal line is coated and that has plasticity, a pair of spaced apart ground layers extending in the longitudinal direction and sandwiching the dielectric sheet in its thickness direction, and insulators that coat the pair of ground layers so that they are not exposed to the outside. The cross-sectional size of the signal line in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the thickness and width of the dielectric sheet, and so forth are selected to obtain a predetermined characteristic impedance for the cable. Each of the pair of ground layers is sized so as to be substantially wider than the signal line.

Abstract: A multi-layered integrated RF/IF circuit board is provided. The board is fabricated beginning with a center layer of material. In a first preferred embodiment, the center layer is a rigid core material. In a second preferred embodiment, the center layer is a pliable non-conductive material. For every layer added to the upper surface of the stack-up structure of the board, a corresponding layer of the same material is added to the lower surface of the stack-up structure. Thus, during the lamination process, both the upper and lower surfaces are primarily soft, pliable non-conductive material. These non-conductive layers absorb any stresses introduced during the lamination process. Thus, when cooled, the board has large area flatness. Standard manufacturing processes can be used for each individual step in the fabrication of the board. Therefore, a multi-layered integrated RF/IF circuit board in accordance with the present invention can be fabricated inexpensively.

Abstract: An electrically continuous, grounded conformal EMI protective shield and methods for applying same directly to the surfaces of a printed circuit board. The EMI shield adheres and conforms to the surface of the components and printed wiring board. The shield takes the shape of the covered surfaces while adding little to the dimensions of the surfaces. The EMI shield includes low viscosity, high adherence conductive and dielectric coatings each of which can be applied in one or more layers using conventional spray techniques. The conductive coating prevents substantially all electromagnetic emissions generated by the shielded components from emanating beyond the conformal coating. The dielectric coating is initially applied to selected locations of the printed circuit board so as to be interposed between the conductive coating and the printed circuit board, preventing the conductive coating from electrically contacting selected components and printed wiring board regions.

Abstract: A truck-mounted scale mechanism can provide an accurate measurement of the weight of loose material dispensed from a delivery truck. The scale mechanism is supported on the tailgate of the delivery truck for transport from one job site to another. A winch provides a mechanism for deploying the scale mechanism from the transport position. The scale includes a frame mechanism pivotally supporting a hopper having a gate-controlled discharge chute operated by an air cylinder with weigh cells being located between the hopper and the frame. A computer on the scale mechanism operatively controls the air cylinder controlling the gate on the delivery chute of the truck bed and the air cylinder controlling the discharge chute gate on the hopper such that the loading, weighing and dispensing of the loose salt from the truck bed to the customer storage facility is automated until the system is halted by the operator.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck and a weight measuring system is provided, comprising a mixing chamber, at least one rear roller bearing assembly, and a front mounting assembly. The rear roller bearing assembly includes a roller bearing and a first weight measurement device. The first measurement device can be configured to generate a first set of electrical signals corresponding to a load generated by the mixing chamber at the roller bearing. The front mounting assembly includes an engagement device and a second weight measurement device coupled to the engagement device. The second weight measurement device can be configured to generate a second set of electrical signals corresponding to a load generated by the mixing chamber at the engagement device. Means for electrically coupling the first and second weight measuring devices can calculate the weight of the chamber or the contents therein, or both.

Abstract: A key operated switch that provides enhanced operational characteristics wherein the rotary motion of a key is translated into the actuation of a switch mechanism that rapidly establishes an electrical connection between a source of electrical current and a load. The switch uses a toggle adapted to interact with a standard switching mechanism which reduces the number of components and the cost of the switch. The key cylinder is coupled to a yieldable member such as spring to provide a positive or snap action when the key cylinder is rotated with a prescribed arc of rotation which reduces the complexity of the switch.

Abstract: A bypass blade is pivotably connected to the first terminal pad, and movable between open and closed positions. The bypass blade is electrically connected between the first and third terminal pads when in the closed position. A first disconnect blade is pivotally connected to a second terminal pad and movable between open and closed positions. The first disconnect blade is electrically connected between the first and second terminal pads when in the closed position. A second disconnect blade is pivotally connected to a fourth terminal pad and movable between open and closed positions. The second disconnect blade is electrically connected between the third and fourth terminal pads when in the closed position. An interrupter lever is connected to an interrupter and electrically connected to the third terminal pad. A hook ring is connected to the first and second disconnect blades. The hook ring is movable between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A switch (10) comprising a bottom contact-holder (12) supporting two fixed electric contacts (30, 30B), an actuation member (54) and an intermediate conductive contact strip (14) that can be deformed elastically in order to modify the electric connection between the two fixed contacts (3030B) and that comprises two opposite longitudinal branches (40) connected to the front transverse contact arm (38B), characterized in that each branch (40) is curved and the switch comprises an actuation plate (16) which is interposed between the actuation member (54) and the contact strip (14) and which interacts with the tops (64) of the longitudinal branches (40) to deform the contact strip (14).

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the planar surface and a peak furthest from the planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the surface of the flexible sheet, wherein the second conductive layer comprises a conductive mesh pattern and the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots are located in non-conductive openings in the conductive mesh pattern; wherein when a minimum required activation force is applied to the touch screen at the location of one of the compressible spacer dots, the compressible spacer dot is compressed to allow electrical contact between the first and second conductive layers.

Abstract: A movable contact unit arrangement includes a movable contact disposed close to a magnetic sensor. The movable contact unit includes a base sheet made of insulating resin, and a movable contact made of elastic metal plate material and having a downwardly opening dome shape. The movable contact is stuck to the base sheet. The magnetic sensor has an operation magnetic flux density during operation, and the movable contact is a demagnetized movable contact so that a residual magnetic flux density of the movable contact is smaller than the operation flux density of the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An overhead gas distribution electrode forming at least a portion of the ceiling of a plasma reactor has a bottom surface facing a processing zone of the reactor. The electrode includes a gas supply manifold for receiving process gas at a supply pressure at a top portion of the electrode and plural pressure-dropping cylindrical orifices extending axially relative to the electrode from the gas supply manifold at one end of each the orifice. A radial gas distribution manifold within the electrode extends radially across the electrode. Plural axially extending high conductance gas flow passages couple the opposite ends of respective ones of the plural pressure-dropping orifices to the radial gas distribution manifold. Plural high conductance cylindrical gas outlet holes are formed in the plasma-facing bottom surface of the electrode and extend axially to the radial gas distribution manifold.

Abstract: A welding gun having a swivel coupling joining the posterior end of the gun to the handle thereby allowing the handle and gooseneck to be rotated without having to rotate the posterior end of the gun and the wire cable feed line, the swivel coupling providing a conduit for welding gun wires and hoses and limiting the rotational range of the handle, thereby reducing stress to the wires and hoses.

Abstract: An umbilical-member managing structure for a welding torch in an arc welding robot. The umbilical members include a welding wire fed to the welding torch, a tubular liner surrounding the welding wire, a tube for supplying an assist gas to the welding torch, and an electrical conductor for feeding a welding current to the welding torch. The arc welding robot is provided with a wire feeding device mounted on the manipulator for feeding the welding wire to the welding torch. The umbilical-member managing structure includes a flexible conduit containing the umbilical members, which includes a first connecting section provided at one longitudinal end connected to the welding torch, and a second connecting section provided at another longitudinal end connected to the wire feeding device; and a connection mechanism for rotatably connecting the conduit to at least one of the welding torch and the wire feeding device.

Abstract: A heating device of the invention comprises a heater, a main power supply, and an auxiliary power supply. The heater includes a main heating element which generates heat with power supplied from the main power supply, and an auxiliary heating element which has a resistance different from a resistance of the main heating element and generates heat with power supplied from the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply is provided to supply to the auxiliary heating element a current that is different from a current supplied from the main power supply to the main heating element.

Abstract: A fuser includes a fusing roll unit having a fusing roll, a pressurizing roll unit having a pressurizing roll and a coil spring resiliently biasing the pressurizing roll. The units are secured by a pair of engagements. One engagement includes a hook provided at the fusing roll unit and an eye provided at the pressurizing roll unit and capable of guiding and thus moving the units pivotably relative to each other when said hook is engaged therein. The fuser can thus have a simple structure formed of a reduced number of components and enhancing workability and facilitating its fabrication.

Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.

Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

Abstract: A heat sealer having a heated platen, a cylinder for reciprocating the platen, a die positioned to be engaged by the platen and a shuttle supporting the die to move the die from a platen-engaging position to a non-engaging position, and a control for controlling the temperature of the platen and the force applied to the platen against the die by the cylinder. The invention also includes a temperature sensor for sensing the surface temperature of the platen and a load sensor for sensing the force applied by the platen to the die. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor that reads the surface temperature of the platen and the load sensor is a load cell positioned beneath the die and supporting the die so that the load sensors can measure the direct force applied by the platen against the die. Also, in one embodiment, the infrared sensor is positioned beneath the die so that it can read the platen temperature when the die is displaced to the non-engaging position.

Abstract: An improved food oven apparatus and related methods for preparing food utilizing digitally controlled heating elements and a smoker unit. User-operable controls in communication with a digital controller allow for independent control of the heating elements and the smoker unit. One or more electric fans can be provided for reducing condensation from forming within a control unit of the food oven. A heating element connection assembly can also be provided for reducing stress exerted on the heating elements caused by the repeated expansion and contraction of the compartment. The food oven can also be provided with an air cleaning apparatus configured to perform a multi-stage cleaning process, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fixed hood system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process in the cooking chamber of a cooking device according to the point of condensation inside the cooking device includes introducing at least one cooking item and at least one accessory such as a gastronomic container, a plate, tin plate, a support, a suspended ladder, a kiln tray and/or kiln tray cart and/or at least one reference body into the cooking chamber; at least partially determining during the cooking process at least one climate parameter, especially one relating to temperature and moisture, in the cooking area, or on the cooking item, or on the accessory or on the reference body; determining the actual extent by which the point of condensation is exceeded or is not achieved on the cooking item, accessory and/or reference body; and adapting the climate parameter in the cooking chamber during the cooking process according to the extent by which the point of condensation is exceeded or not achieved such that the climate inside the cooking chamber, especially the

Abstract: An electric adapter for providing output power to an accessory includes an adapter housing having a projection configured for insertion into a DC power accessory port, the projection carrying an electrical input conductor, a power outlet cord extending from the housing, a manually operable power switch mounted on the housing, the switch operable to electrically connect the electrical input conductor to the power outlet cord, and a timer circuit contained within the housing and configured to electrically disconnect the input conductor from the power outlet cord after a predetermined cycle time period, without removing the projection from the DC power accessory port.

Abstract: A solder-joint detection circuit uses a resistive bridge and a differential detector to detect faults in the solder-joint network both inside and outside the digital electronic package during operation. The resistive bridge is preferably coupled to a high supply voltage used to power the package. Resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series at a first junction between the high and low supply voltages and a resistor R3 is coupled to the high supply voltage and connected in series with the resistance of the solder-network at a second junction. The network is held at a low voltage on the die. The detector compares the sensitivity and detection voltages and outputs a Pass/Fail signal for the solder-joint network.

Abstract: A heater system is provided with a layered heater in communication with a two-wire controller, wherein a resistive layer of the layered heater is both a heater element and a temperature sensor. The two-wire controller thus determines temperature of the layered heater using the resistance of the resistive layer and controls heater temperature through a power source. Furthermore, a heater system using a layered heater in communication with a two-wire controller for a specific application of a hot runner nozzle in an injection molding system is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of realizing low power consumption of a fixing means is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming means for forming an unfixed image t on a recording material P, and a fixing means 10 for heat-fixing the unfixed image. In the image forming apparatus, the fixing means 10 is of electromagnetic induction heating type wherein the fixing means 10 includes a magnetic flux generation means 36 and an induction heating member 10a for generating heat through electromagnetic induction by the action of generated magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generation means, and the unfixed image is heat-fixed on the recording material by generated heat of the induction heating member 10a.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for binder removal and sintering of materials such as ceramic materials and products, LTCC intervals, solid oxide fuel cells and powder metals. A combination of microwave and convection/radiation heating is employed for binder removal and sintering. Preferably, the microwave heating is accomplished using a variable or multi-frequency microwave source. A gas atmosphere is provided in the furnace chamber by one or more eductors which produces a high volume gas circulation in the furnace chamber to achieve a highly uniform gas environment and temperature. The process in accordance with the invention controls the heating cycle, the heat sources and thermal profile depending upon the composition of the particular material being processed. The thermal processing can be accomplished in a batch furnace in which a product is loaded for processing and unloaded after processing.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature controlled heating of primarily solid food in a microwave oven, which includes a block of polymeric material which is thermally insulated with respect to the food and which is provided so as to be exposed to a same microwave radiation as the food. A heat sensitive, readable marking which corresponds to a temperature of the food is provided on a surface of the block of polymeric material. A reader is connected to a heating system of the oven, and reads the marking and transmits control signals to a control circuit for controlling the heating system of the oven, when the reader reads a change of the marking.